TREK: Expedition is a pre-orientation program designed to help your transition into
your college experience. TREK: Expedition participants will experience a
wilderness backpacking and rope climbing expedition in rural Maine. You will
work closely in groups of 10 Clark first-year students with a TREK Leader (an
upperclass Clark student) and an Outward Bound professional facilitator to help
guide and support you throughout the trip. Throughout your five day
journey, you will learn how to backpack, set-up camp, rock climb, read and
navigate a map & compass, cook tasty meals, start a campfire, and live in
complement to your environment. While making friends that will last a
lifetime, you will start your Clark experience in an amazing and unique
wilderness classroom.
TREK: Expedition Course
Your course area begins and ends at the Leon L.
Bean (L.L. Bean) Mountain Center in Newry, Maine. A small town
northeast of the White Mountain National Forest, Newry is located in the
heart of the Mahoosuc Mountains. This rugged, beautiful region boasts
several large protected natural resources; the almost 800,000-acre White
Mountain National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, and the Grafton Loop Trail.
Your wilderness classroom will be in the mountains in and around the White
Mountain National Forest in western Maine and eastern New Hampshire.
The spruce-fir and hardwood forest trails that you'll navigate are home to
hundreds of species of birds as well as moose, deer, and black bear.
Most of the hiking terrain is protected from logging and development and
offers both pristine and established camping, rushing waterfalls, twisting
streams, and spectacular views from rocky summits. Steep trails, rocky
ledges and exposed summits are common on your trails, so you will combine
backpacking with rope climbing throughout your journey. In addition,
you will put your new map and compass skills to work with some off-trail "bushwacking".
You do not need ANY backpacking or rock climbing experience in order to
enjoy this expedition. Outward Bound will teach you everything you
need to know to travel comfortably - how to pack, set up tents, carry your
pack, and navigate with a map and compass. Your trained guide knows
the area well and the program is designed to be challenging, inspirational,
and FUN.
TREK: Expedition Details
TREK: Expedition runs from August 17, 2006 - August 22, 2006.
Participants are asked to arrive at Clark University between 12 PM and 3 PM on
Thursday, August 17. You will be able to put all of your college "stuff"
in your residence hall room on that day! Family and friends are welcome to
come to Clark and help you get settled. Once you arrive at Clark, we will
take care of everything. You will pack separately for TREK and leave the
rest of your belongings locked safely in your new room until we get back to
campus. We will return to Clark late in the evening on August 22.
You will have time to shower, relax, and hang out before your first-year
experience at Clark University officially begins on the morning of August 23
when the rest of the Class of 2010 arrives!
You are probably thinking ... how can I possible afford to pack for this
trip, right? Well, Outward Bound provides most of the technical gear that
you need. All you need to pack are things like sneakers, hiking boots,
rain jacket/windbreaker, fleece shirts or sweatshirts, hats, heavy-duty socks,
your personal hygiene necessities, and some other basic gear. A full and
detailed packing list is provided to you as part of the course preparation.
Weather
Weather can be quite varied in Maine; the old-timers often say, "If you don't
like the weather, wait five minutes." Summer days can be mild and pleasant
OR wet and cold with the real possibility of sleet thrown into the mix.
The average temperature for our trip can vary from 50-90 degrees during the day
and as low as 45 degrees at night. Again, you will be provided with all of
the camping gear necessary to stay warm and safe. You will pack the right
clothes according to the list you will be given. Hikes continue - rain or
shine.
Health
TREK: Expedition is open to all first-year students at Clark University.
The experience is "challenge by choice", meaning that there may be elements that
you encounter that you choose NOT to do while remaining supportive to
participative of those in your group. However, there are some factors to
consider when deciding whether TREK: Expedition is the right experience for you.
You should be in good health and willing/able to be a part of daily hikes
through all types of terrain. You will hike at least 20-25 miles over
the five day experience.
All participants will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire and
will be cleared by the medical staff of Outward Bound.
You can carry and dispense your own medication as approved by the staff
and as indicated on your medical waiver.
Because you will be traveling in remote areas, it may be difficult to get
medical attention quickly. All Outward Bound facilitators are Wilderness
First-Aid certified. However, if you have a chronic health issue that is
unpredictable, you may want to opt for the TREK: Outdoor Adventure program as
it closer to civilization! Each instructor carries a wilderness cell
phone, but wireless coverage in the backcountry can be unpredictable.
You should enjoy physical activity, being active and being outdoors.
If you do, you will be more than physically prepared and ready for this
experience.
A Typical TREK: Expedition Day
A typical day involves rising with the sun (hopefully),
making breakfast, packing up camp and hitting the trail. You will hike all
day - taking breaks for food, water, and to take in the beautiful natural
landscape. Your group will reach your designated camp site, set-up camp,
and get food cooked for dinner. After dinner, you will discuss the next
day's schedule, set personal and group goals, and hang out while getting to know
your new Clark friends. TREK Leaders (sophomore, junior of senior Clark
students) will also be there to help you get a better sense of Clark, college,
etc.
The Outward Bound instructors' goal is to teach you the
skills you need to become completely self-sufficient in the backcountry.
The instructor will spend the first day or two of the course helping you master
basic expedition skills, coaching you as you learn by doing. As you grow
more competent and confident, you will take more responsibility and leadership.
The instructors are teachers and mentors whose goal it is to train you to travel
independently in the backcountry. You will leave this experience extremely
comfortable living in and navigating through the wilderness.
This is not a guided trip! Much of the fun and learning
comes from your role within your group. Everyone in your team is an equal
... all of you are new Clark students trying to make friends and have a
memorable start to your college career. Each of you will be pitching in to
make your group successful. You will cook, wash clothes and dishes, set up
tents, hang food bags and keep your site clean and organized. This is a
true TEAM effort.
Living in the Woods
Living in the wilderness will be a life-changing experience
for you. And, that's the point. You will spend 5 uninterrupted days
building new relationships, working as a team, and reflecting on your own
personal growth. This means no telephones, no television, no showers and
no electricity. You will be fine. Trust us!
You and other members of your group will learn to cook yummy
and nutritious meals over portable gas stoves. Your meals are primarily
vegetarian (meat is heavy to carry and spoils too quickly) and will consist of
grains, nuts, pasta, beans, cereals and other light, dehydrated foods. You
may not be familiar with some of these foods, but you will quickly finds that
they taste good and give you more than enough energy to sustain your active
agenda. A typical breakfast might include granola or oatmeal; lunch might
include tortillas and cheese or biscuits and jam; dinner might be macaroni and
cheese or beans and rice. If you have special food needs, please let us
know when you apply.
A common misconception about the backcountry is that you will
have to be dirty all of the time. Absolutely NOT true. It is very
possible to stay clean and semi-fresh while in the "field", especially if you
are willing to jump in the water or stand under the waterfalls! You will
be taught bathing options in the wilderness as well as other important
backcountry hygiene techniques.
Questions?
If you still have questions, please let us know. You
can call our office at (508) 793-7423 or drop Jason Zelesky, Assistant Dean of
Students an email at jzelesky@clarku.edu.
Apply Now!
Space on TREK: Expedition is VERY limited. The program
costs $600 and includes EVERYTHING (transportation to and from Maine, all meals
upon your arrival to Clark on August 17, the cost of specialized camping gear,
and the program course costs). A limited number of full and half
scholarships are available.
If you are interested in being a part of this amazing
experience, follow this link to the application!
Your course area begins and ends at the Leon L.
Bean (L.L. Bean) Mountain Center in Newry, Maine. A small town
northeast of the White Mountain National Forest, Newry is located in the
heart of the Mahoosuc Mountains. This rugged, beautiful region boasts
several large protected natural resources; the almost 800,000-acre White
Mountain National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, and the Grafton Loop Trail.